Fish
intermediateYellow tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Quick reference
Min tank size
75 US gal
75 gal absolute minimum (48 in length). Hobby consensus is that anything less is inadequate for adult yellow tang activity levels. Source: multi-year Reef2Reef tang-size discussions; concurs with industry guidance (LiveAquaria, BRS).
Min tank length
48 in
Length matters more than gallons for active swimmers.
Temperature
75–82 °F
Salinity
1.024–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Feeding
Mostly herbivore. Nori sheets daily, plus prepared foods (pellet, frozen). Without daily greens, will develop HLLE (head-and-lateral-line erosion).
Compatibility
Peaceful with non-tang fish. Aggressive with other tangs unless you add multiple at once to a large tank. Will hybridize with other Zebrasoma if mixed.
What kills it
Ich (most common). HLLE from poor diet. Stress in undersized tanks.
Common mistakes
- •Buying for a 55 gal — too narrow, fish develops stress disease.
- •Adding to a tank without herbivore diet (nori clip every day).
- •Adding a second tang later — establishes one as bully.
Equipment & food for this species
Yellow tangs need daily greens. Nori clipped to the glass + selcon-soaked frozen food prevents HLLE.
Nori sheets (Maruichi or Sushi-grade)
Herbivore staple. Daily for tangs.
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Selcon (American Marine)
HUFA + vitamin soak for frozen food. Critical for tang health.
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PE Mysis Shrimp — frozen
Whole-shrimp frozen food. Premium reef-tank standard.
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TDO Chroma Boost pellets
Best fish pellet for color enhancement. Multiple sizes.
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